Cameron

Cameron found an old cell phone and opened it up to figure out how it works.

Today was my son Cameron's IEP. I always prepare and get nervous, every time I end up crying. Not because I am sad, but it can be emotional. Like most parents, I want my child to succeed. I don't like to watch him struggle. I don't like them to tell me he fell under the average on his testing. Cameron works really hard and he has come a long way. He does excellent in math, but struggles with words, reading and writing. Sometimes we see more progress at home than what they tell us.

Can't resist that smile

I was talking to them about a concern we had. Cameron comes home from school and tells us about other kids and things they did and he doesn't talk a lot about himself. I told the 2 teachers and the principle about I was worried about certain kids being distractions and as caring and loving as Cameron is, that it could be getting in the way of his learning. One of the teachers told me that Cameron is so sweet, caring, and loving. (which we already knew). She said one day, one of the kids we were concerned about being a distraction, who is autistic, was upset and crying. He didn't want to go to the resource class for his time. He wouldn't talk to anyone. Cameron went up to him and hugged him and said, "Do you want me to go with you? Would that make you happy?" He looked at the teachers and said, "Is that ok?" they said yes, and Cameron walked with him to the other class. The boy was fine after that. They told us, Cameron makes a difference in other kids' lives, makes them feel accepted and loved. It made me feel really good to hear that.

He loves his daddy!

Cameron may always struggle, but he is special, important, loving and can make a difference. If being what some see as "normal" would change the way my boy is then, I don't want him to change. I love him so much and I am proud of who he is.

Legos and smiling are his favorite!

 I love this song by Mindy Gledhill, Anchor. She talks about being different and how some times people may thing you are strange, but you have someone who can anchor you down and believe in you. We all need to love others for their differences. 

See the music video HERE

Veteran's Day

My Grandpa Dennis during WWII

 

Many think of today and remember those who have served our country. They remember the heroes. I often think of my two Grandpa’s who both served in World War II. They left their families and homes and went out to an unknown land and fought for our country. They are my heroes. They came home safe and had to start their lives over again.

My Grandpa Budd during WWII

I often talk about my grandpa Budd. Jerry LeNore Budd served from 1941 to 1945. He ended his 4 years on the island of Iwo Jima. He saw a lot those four years, but he saw evil from both sides of the war. 

The night before my Grandpa Budd passed away.

My mom, me, and my daughter Brooklynn's hands on his.

 

On Iwo Jima after the war was officially over, they had to stay on the island and continue to find the enemy. One day out on normal rounds they found some Japanese men hiding, the other men with him were more than willing to end their lives right there. My grandpa wouldn’t allow it. The men had surrendered, and they were unarmed. My grandpa saved their lives that day, the enemy. To me that is a true hero. 

21 gun salute at Grandpa Budd's funeral.

It has been 2 years ago today since my grandpa’s funeral. How fitting to have his funeral on Veteran’s day. I miss him so much. 

My son Cameron at his Great Grandpa's funeral.

I spent hours upon hours with him, learning about his life, reading his journal, and letters. Sometimes being a hero is loving those who may not seem to deserve it, you never know who’s life you can save.

Through Darkness find Light

Twenty-six years ago, as a seven year old girl a miracle happened in my life. I was sad, my older brother was missing and I was afraid.

On September 22, 1989 my brother Josh Dennis went with my dad and his friends on a Scout Camp. He was only 10 years old, but he was 10 feet tall with hope and excitement. That night the group camped in Tooele, Utah near the abandoned Hidden Treasure Mine. They will all excited to explore it. After entering the mine the men and boys realized how truly dark it was. A group decided to leave the mine and my dad was among them. He told Josh to follow, but Josh begged to stay with the other group. My dad agreed. Joshua ran ahead to catch up with the group. The more he ran the farther away they got. Suddenly their lights disappeared.  Josh did not have a flashlight and was alone in the dark.

We didn't find out until the next day that he was missing. I was scared and didn't know what to do. I had to stay with friends that night while my mom went up to the mine to be with my dad. The next day we were taken to my grandparents house to stay. Each day that went by I was becoming more upset and worried. My grandma tried to keep us three kids busy and kept the TV off so we didn't hear the news reports. My grandma always would remind me later how I wouldn't let myself smile and have fun until Josh was back.

I remember one day, September 27th, that we thought it was a great idea to make Josh cards to give him when he was found. I was smiling. I was excited to give them to him. Sitting at my grandma's counter we were coloring and the doorbell rang. When it wasn't answered immediately they started knocking. My grandma answered the door and I couldn't understand what words were spoken, but within seconds there were screams of joy.

Joshua was found and he was alive. I started crying and I was so excited that we could give him our cards that we made.

This experience could have destroyed a family. We could have asked, "why us?" and left the church. But we know that we are here for a reason. We are here to endure and we can make it through anything, if we turn to the Lord and Choose The Right. I love how at last night's women's conference Linda Reeves 2nd Counselor in the R.S. said "We will be exceedingly blessed if we have faith and patience."

I feel that through this experience that my family went through I always remembered the blessings we received. My personal testimony grew and continues to grow when I remember that we are important to Him. After 5 days, and nights in a mine Joshua survived. He was there with my brother, He protected Josh and He was with our family.

When Josh was on his mission Sister Virginia U. Jensen spoke about my brother's experience in Conference. It was wonderful to be there with my fiancé Ryan. Sister Jensen spoke of the song Lead, Kindly, Light. (To read her full talk go HERE.)

Lead, kindly Light, amid th’encircling gloom; …

The night is dark, and I am far from home; …

Keep thou my feet; …

one step enough for me.

We will feel darkness at different times in our lives. When Josh was found the searchers put a hard hat on his head, they had a flashlight and they warmed him up. We too can feel protection from our Heavenly Father, we will see his light and feel warmth from His love.

Family Heirlooms

This Bride is the 11th family member to wear this wedding dress. To read the story click HERE.

When I read this article, I felt a twinge of  jealousy. How I wish I would have had a beautiful gown passed down to me. It is beautiful and sweet. I love how it is modern to her style and she wears it well. I love that the world is embracing family history so much right now.

Endure

So many of us find things attractive and appealing. I do as much as anyone else. Some with the friends they choose, others with selfishness and some with sin. I have been trying hard to improve my life and be more Christ-like. I have been really focused on my family and trying to ignore the temptations outside of my home.

Scripture reading every morning before my kids wake has become a daily ritual and I've been focused on positive uplifting reads and activities. I read a few articles in this months Ensign and really loved the article The Harmless Little Fern.

I feel like it can relate to everyone in their own way and we need to look in our own lives to see what things seem like beauty, but really can cause harm.  I'm trying every day to be a better person. I've realized that I am not going to always go out with friends, or have the nicest clothes or other things, but I can be happy because I make myself happy. I am happy in my life and with my family. I am so thankful for my blessings and even my trials.

To read the article click HERE.

Cameron- Sensory Processing Disorder- 1

I've been thinking a lot lately about my son Cameron. He just started 1st grade and it's been a little difficult for him being gone all day. He loves school, has a lot of friends, listens to his teacher, but he says that he misses us. Cameron has some delays and he gets some help at school in speech, reading and if needed- behavior. 

Yesterday he came home from school wearing a necklace that had letters on it. It spelled MOM. It was so cute and I asked him what the other kids spelled on their necklaces. He told me they spelled their names, but he wanted Mom, because he missed me so much. It's made me look back at our journey to get him where he is now.

I remember after my oldest, Brooklynn, was about four, I thought I had parenting down. She was a really hard baby and toddler, but we had it down. When she turned five, my little boy Cameron was two and I had a brand new baby girl McKenna. I had three kids five and under and I had it under control. Life was perfect. Both Cameron and McKenna were really easy babies and toddlers. However, as Cameron got older he was becoming more and more difficult. Everyone brushed it off that he was just being “a boy”. Don’t worry it’s just his personality. He was hard, I was with him 24/7 and no one really understood.

 

Time went on and McKenna was the one who was the toddler and Cameron was four. When I asked the kids to clean up my toddler listened, but Cameron just made a bigger mess. He didn’t seem to get out of the “toddler” phase.  Still people continued to try to make me feel better, and reassure me that everything was fine.

When we would go to the store, Cameron would have to touch everything. He didn’t like certain smells and he would sometimes react in such a dramatic way. There were times that he screamed because the lights were too bright, or his clothes felt weird. When someone was too close to him he HATED it, but he always wanted big tight hugs. It was confusing and I mentally took notes of his quirks.

 

I remember one day he came to tell me he wanted to go outside. He said, “I’m going outside, mom, outside, I’m going outside.” I remember just staring at him. It seemed really odd. I realized that I had heard him repeat words and sentences before, but for some reason that time just stood out to me. I googled, “My son is repeating sentences.” As usual several sites popped up. One caught my eye. Sensory Processing Disorder.  I clicked on the link and knew immediately that is what my son had.

I had heard that before from an old neighbor. Her son had it and she told me about it years ago. I got on Facebook and messaged her. She gave me tips and advice and told me to talk to my pediatrician. I got on the phone and made an appointment.

In the doctor’s office I was ready with my list of things to talk about. I love our Pediatrician, because he will first listen. He has always said that mom’s know their kids best. Then he proceeds to tell you his opinion. I was ready to hear that I was just crazy. He said, so many parents, teachers and doctors are diagnosing kids with ADHD, giving them medication and moving on. Of course the medication is going to calm the kids, but it doesn’t mean that is the problem. People need to take a look at everything before medicating children. He said that he wasn’t sure what Cameron had, but he said more than likely some kind of learning delay or disability. So many kids show “Hyper” behavior because they don’t understand or they are delayed. Older kids act out, because they are too embarrassed to tell anyone they don’t understand. He said that he didn’t know a lot about Sensory Processing Disorder, but we were heading in the right direction. He referred me to an Occupational Therapist.

I felt really good about this. At my appointment she told me within minutes that although she can’t diagnose Sensory Processing Disorder, she would be the one that treats him and he qualifies. So basically she was saying, yes he has it. We started weekly therapy and Cameron also was qualified for the District Preschool to get extra help.

 

After more than six months, all my work had paid off and he was showing progress immediately. I was proud of Cameron, proud to be his mom and thankful that I listened to my gut instinct.

The occupational therapist worked with me and taught me things I could do at home to help Cameron. I read books and articles as well. I loved seeing my happy child again. He wasn’t so frustrated, mad, and hyper. He was happy. Cameron is now almost seven, he is in 1^st grade and has a lot of friends. He still struggles and gets overwhelmed, frustrated and mad, but he is doing better all the time. 

 

I will continue to write more about Cameron, Sensory Processing Disorder and his struggles and accomplishments.  I hope that Cameron will continue to succeed and always remember we do everything for him, even the hard stuff.

I love this quote and it should be Cameron's motto. Cameron has done so well over the last year, I sometimes forget to take a breath and find out what is wrong rather than just getting upset with him.

It's been quite the journey, with a lot of tears. Tears of sadness, anger and joy. It's been hard for us, but worth it. I love my little man so much!

Stars are within your Reach

As the new school year has started people think about their future, what they want to learn, and how their life will turn out. Will they accomplish their dreams? I have always told my kids that they can do anything that they want to do. If they work hard, have enough passion and never give up they can accomplish something.

My son Cameron wants to be either a Paleontologist or a Lego Builder. What do you think I say to him? Do I tell him, sorry there’s not many jobs needed there? Or Building Legos isn’t really a job. Nope, not even close. I tell him that is amazing. Being a Paleontologist would be so awesome, and if you are a Lego Builder, I would come visit you at Lego Land. Maybe he won’t do either of those things, maybe that’s just the spark he needs to find his real dreams. Maybe he will be a Scientist or write books about dinosaurs or become an Architect.  Whatever he does, or all my kids for that matter, makes them happy.

There is a quote that says “The poorest person in the world is the one that only has money.” What is the point having a good, well-paying job if you don’t like it? I have thought a lot about my own dreams and aspirations. I am a mom who dabbles in little hobbies here and there. When I was younger I wanted to be a nurse (I’m married to one—does that count?). From Junior High on I wanted to be a reporter, a teacher, a mom, a writer, and a Sign Language Interpreter.  I think about that and think I am all of those things. As a stay at home mom I am a teacher, and a nurse. I use my free time (what’s that- oh nap time) to write on my blog and different stories. And the sign language—well let’s just say that knowing some Sign Language has come in handy a few times. Also I have taught my kids some of it as well.

So I am doing all of the things that I wanted to do. I am happy at where I am in my life and I think that is all that matters. We need to be happy. We may not all accomplish everything we dreamed we would, but sometimes you shoot for the moon and find a star instead. And stars are beautiful, without darkness you can’t see the stars.  Don’t quit, stars are within reach.

October on the Brain

            I am so excited for Fall. It is my favorite time of year. I cannot wait for the crunching leaves.

 

Pumpkins, apple cider, and crisp air… Some see Fall as leaves dying, cold and the step before the snow comes. For others, it is a favorite time of year. A season full of beautiful warm colors, family and love.

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

~ L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables)

Autumn is packed with children’s laughter, traditions and fun. There are so many things to do from October through November. Here are just a few favorite Fall Activities for Families.

            ~Go to a Pumpkin Patch                     ~Plant Bulbs in Garden

            ~Carve or Paint Pumpkins                  ~Make Caramel Apples

            ~Apple Picking                                                ~Rake up Leaves    and Jump in them

            ~Make Apple Cider                             ~Bake Pies

            ~Hayrides and Corn Mazes                 ~Dress up for lots of Parties

      

Autumn is the time of year, like trees, we can shed the old and prepare for new. We think about what we learned, and what we can change.

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the Fall.” ~F. Scott Fitzgerald (The Great Gatsby)

Fall is a beautiful, peaceful time of year. A time when for family and friends. A time that we can start anew and a time for love.

“Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.” ~William Cullen Bryant

            What is your favorite Family Tradition in Fall?

Back to School

It is “back to school” time and I think of all that we do as we prepare our kids to go. Lots of school shopping for back packs, supplies, and name brand clothing. How nice if it was just simple. There is always a worry about who my kid’s teacher is going to be. Will they teach my child well? My husband’s 2^nd Great Grandfather Benajah Julius Record shared some experiences when he was a boy and attended school.

"When I was about six years of age, I attended summer school, and during the hottest part of the day, I would get so sleepy that I could not hold up my head, the teacher would lay me down on one of the benches and put her bonnet under my head and let me sleep as long as I cared to, the teachers name was Polly Huffman, she was an old maid, but everyone loved her for her kindness to the children, they all called her Aunt Polly.”

 

 He continued, “Children were often whipped for almost no reason at all. There were the best teachers the county could afford to hire as funds were not available, teachers were not selected for what they knew, but for how strict they were with the children, I have seen them whip children for practically no reason at all except to give vent to their hatred for children.”

 

 

           Tuesday my daughter started 4th grade and on Wednesday my son started 1st grade. I thought I was doing great until this morning I lost it. I cried. I cried because they rode their bikes to school, they are getting too big and they don't need me 24/7. I love that they are becoming responsible older kids, but I miss them. My husband told me that I should be happy that they are okay. I taught them the right things and because of how I have raised them they will be okay. As scary as it is to send your children to school, I am thankful for laws we have in place. I know that if people believe in children and their success they can do anything.

Dan Jones

Many families grow up and hear about their ancestors. "I'm related to..." I had never heard about Dan Jones until I was an adult. Once I found out I was so excited to know that I was related to such an amazing man. Dan Jones is my 4th Great Grandfather on the Dennis side of my family.

Dan Jones is Welsh and at sixteen years old married Jane Melling. Together they immigrated from Wales to the United States. Dan became known as "Captain Jones". He became the Captain of a Steamship named the "Ripple". But it hit rock and sank. He then moved on and became the Captain to The Maid of Iowa. He learned of a group that used his ship. This group of people were Mormons. Dan was very curious and wanted to know more. He went to Nauvoo and didn't expect a personal tour from Joseph Smith, the Prophet himself. He couldn't believe that the Prophet was so young, humble and caring. They became great friends and it didn't take long for Dan Jones to be baptized in January 1843. In April Dan used The Maid of Iowa to transport about 300 converts from Mississippi to Nauvoo. He also used his ship to bring building material and supplies for the Nauvoo Temple. Joseph Smith even preached from the deck of the Maid of Iowa more than once. Joseph Smith loved the Maid of Iowa so much that he became business partners with Dan Jones and co-owned the ship.

June 1844, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were arrested and taken to Carthage Jail. John Taylor, Willard Richards and Dan Jones were asked to accompany them for support and protection. The night before Joseph and Hyrum were killed Joseph asked Dan if he was afraid to die.

Jones replied, "Has that time come, think you? Engaged in such a cause, I do not think that death would have many terrors.”

Smith replied with what many have identified as his "last prophecy": "You will yet see Wales and fulfill the mission appointed you before you die."

The next morning the Prophet asked Dan to deliver a letter for him. to Orville H. Browning in Quincy, Illinois. The letter asked Browning to act as the Smiths' lawyer in their upcoming trial. Dan Jones left the jail on horseback, bullets flew through the air toward him, but none hit him. In his panic Dan took the wrong road to Quincy and became lost. Later he heard that there was an anti-Mormon mob had been waiting to meet him on the correct road to Quincy. When Jones finally reached Quincy later in the afternoon, he learned that Joseph and Hyrum Smith had been killed by a mob at the jail in Carthage, Illinois.

Dan Jones did fufill the mission that Joseph Smith prophesied. Dan went back to Wales and  taught and helped baptized more than 3,000 people and helped them immigrate to America. President Hinkley explained Dan's different way of doing "missionary work" in the Ensign, September 1993.

 

He had an interesting missionary technique. It was essentially one of controversy, a technique not fit for our time but used well by him then. He feared no one. He moved with great boldness. Of his method it has been written: “He would often advertise in a town for several weeks that he was coming to ‘convert’ the whole town. He would inform the mayor, the city council, the ministers, and the police force of his intentions. He would have the local members of the church distribute thousands of tracts to all the city. When he arrived at the railroad station he was often met by all of the officials of the city and many excited citizens.”

Dan Jones died January 3, 1861. He is buried in Provo, Utah. His legacy for my family, and our church is much greater than I can describe. I am thankful for such a great man and example.

 

My Grandma

At church yesterday I went into Relief Society and the lesson was on Elderly in the Church. Immediately I knew that I was going to feel my grandma Budd. I felt the spirit so strong and I knew that I wanted to say something about my grandma, but I get so scared. The teacher said, “Does anyone have anything to share?” She looked right at me and said, “I know you want to say something.” So for the first time EVER, I commented in Relief Society. I am shy, nervous and intimidated and it is so hard for me to talk in front of people. Right away I started crying. Yes, that is one reason why I don’t talk in church… I cry.

 

I grew up living with my grandma from the time I was 11 until I got married. She was a 2^nd mom, she was an example of humility, kindness and love. She gave me more compliments than anyone has ever given me. She helped me know of my great worth. I strive to be like her. I miss her every day, I miss her laugh, hugs and telling me she loves me.  Every time I saw her she told me that I was a good mom. Whenever I’ve doubted my role as a woman or mother I hear her telling me I am great and it is one of my callings. I wish everyone could have known my Grandma Merle Viola Stout Budd. 

 

 

 

About a year ago I heard a song and found out it was by Carrie Underwood from one of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe movies. I downloaded it on my itunes and couldn’t stop listening to it. It made me think of both of my Grandma’s. Both were amazing, but neither one was ever rich or famous. They didn’t hold high callings, but they were kind good women. The song, There’s a Place for us. Really reminds me of my grandparents being together in heaven. Even though they weren’t a King or Queen or Rich or famous, there is something special for them. Something bigger for each of us. HERE is a video of the song.

I am thankful for both of my grandmas and Ryan’s grandmas. I wanted to name McKenna after someone special and my niece suggested the name Mae. I loved it and after she said it I realized that it represents all four of her Great grandmas. Merle, Maxine, Alene and Elaine. They are all such special ladies and have impacted me in some way.

I loved the lesson about the Elderly in our church. They are amazing and should be loved and respected. Someday it will be me. I loved the quote from Ezra Taft Benson. “I hold special feelings for the elderly. I feel that in some measure I understand them, for I am one of them.”  You can read the full lesson HERE.

 

Viola and Dewey Stout Wedding

 

My great grandmother Viola Allred became engaged in 1920 to Commodore Dewey Stout. In her journal she wrote, "I ACCEPTED THE ENGAGEMENT IN GOOD FAITH. Dewey seemed to be all any girl could want in stability, charm, he was a truly "happy" personality."

 

June 22, 1921 they arrived at the temple and there was no sign of Dewey. Viola realized that the temple grounds were filling up with other "June Brides" Dewey finally arrived late. Dewey liked to joke that Viola drug him to the alter. 

 

I read in Dewey's journal that he knew Viola was the one. Especially after they were engaged and he went to call on her. She was in a nightgown and curlers in her hair. She said, "Well when we are married you are going to see me like this, so you better get used to it."  I didn't know my Great Grandpa Dewey, but Great Grandma Viola lived until I was 18 years old. That is exactly something she would have said. She sure was a fireball. I have read their journals several times and love it. Each time I learn something new about them. I am thankful for amazing Great Grandparents and true examples of love, faith and enduring until the end.



 

 

 

Sleepy babes!

Cameron has 3 sleeping positions- all over, cuddling or GQ pose. I love watching him sleep! 

Brooklynn is such a great sleeper now it's rare I get to take a peek. There's something peaceful about watching kids sleep after a busy day. 

Nothing better than a baby sound asleep. I love her squishy face!